Many high school students often ask: Should I take the SAT or ACT? Universities and colleges use both SAT and ACT to evaluate potential students, but there exist some key differences between the two.
There's a significant difference between SAT and ACT test format. The SAT is divided into two sections: Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math. On the other hand, the ACT incorporates English, Math, Reading, and Science.
Students' strengths and weaknesses determine which test is easier, the SAT or ACT. If reading and writing are a student's strong points, then the SAT might be a better fit. Alternatively, science-oriented students might have an edge with the ACT.
The SAT and ACT also diverge in terms of scoring scales. For the SAT, scores can range from 400 to 1600, while the ACT score ranges from 1 to 36.
The subjects tested differ between SAT and ACT. The SAT math focuses greatly on reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis abilities, on the other hand, the ACT math section tests a wide array of topics from pre-algebra up to trigonometry.
The decision to take the SAT or ACT is ultimately dependent on a student's individual strengths and choice. Most schools will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, therefore, it's advantageous to select the test where you can best demonstrate your strengths. Ultimately, the selection of the test becomes less crucial than how well learn concepts students can perform on their chosen test.